How would a person best spend their training time if they anticipate on debuting at the IM distance in 2-3 years with no or very little racing in between?
Strictly base work...? Like a traditional periodized schedule but stretch out over 2-3 years? Long base phase, long build, etc.
or standard annual periodized routine but repeated each year until race? Base, build, peak, recover, base, build, peak etc...
or do I use this time to focus on single sport training? It's all about the bike right!?
As background, I have taken the last 3 years almost completely off, so I am 100% out of shape. Prior to the hiatus, I was a 4:30 HIM racer with a strong swim/bike and weaker run. Took the time off to bring children into this world. Currently 32yo. In a few years my kids will be old enough that I can justify an IM workup.
Currently I can afford about 8 hours a week so I am just trying to analyze how best to utilize that time and thought someone might have some good insight.
Strictly base work...? Like a traditional periodized schedule but stretch out over 2-3 years? Long base phase, long build, etc.
or standard annual periodized routine but repeated each year until race? Base, build, peak, recover, base, build, peak etc...
or do I use this time to focus on single sport training? It's all about the bike right!?
As background, I have taken the last 3 years almost completely off, so I am 100% out of shape. Prior to the hiatus, I was a 4:30 HIM racer with a strong swim/bike and weaker run. Took the time off to bring children into this world. Currently 32yo. In a few years my kids will be old enough that I can justify an IM workup.
Currently I can afford about 8 hours a week so I am just trying to analyze how best to utilize that time and thought someone might have some good insight.